Solar urticaria

Solar Urticaria is a rare condition that affects the skin. It is characterized by the development of hives, itchiness, and redness when the skin is exposed to sunlight. The condition is not life-threatening, but it can cause significant discomfort and can limit a person's ability to engage in outdoor activities.

Causes

The exact cause of solar urticaria is not known. It is believed to be an allergic reaction to a compound in the skin that is altered by sunlight. The body's immune system reacts to this altered compound, leading to the symptoms of solar urticaria.

Symptoms

The main symptom of solar urticaria is the development of hives on the skin that has been exposed to sunlight. These hives can be small and localized, or they can spread across a large area of the body. Other symptoms can include itchiness, redness, and a burning sensation on the skin. In severe cases, exposure to sunlight can also cause headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Diagnosis

Solar urticaria is diagnosed based on the patient's symptoms and their response to sunlight. A doctor may also perform a phototest, which involves exposing a small area of the skin to different wavelengths of light to see if it triggers a reaction.

Treatment

Treatment for solar urticaria typically involves avoiding sunlight as much as possible. When exposure to sunlight is unavoidable, protective clothing and sunscreen can help to minimize the reaction. Antihistamines can also be used to help manage the symptoms of solar urticaria. In severe cases, a treatment called phototherapy may be used. This involves gradually exposing the skin to increasing amounts of UV light to help desensitize it.

See Also

• Dermatology
• Urticaria
• Phototherapy
• Sunscreen

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